Nationwide, the Disability community is the largest, most diverse marginalized population. A disproportionate number of people with disabilities are also survivors of trauma, marginally housed, low income, LGBTQ, and people of color. Therefore, when supporting, serving and empowering students with disabilities, the work must use an intersectional, trauma-informed, and disability affirming approach. This general session panel will allow participants to listen and learn from a panel of students and advocates with disabilities who embody multiple, intersecting marginalized identities. Panelists will share personal accounts and best practices of how to support students with disabilities who have multiple, marginalized identities in post-secondary and employment settings. Additionally, the panel will address how trauma disproportionately impacts multiply-marginalized Disabled students and how allies can create educational and employment environments that are trauma informed. Upon leaving the session, the audience will gain knowledge and tools for how to support ALL students with disabilities.

All sessions & times are subject to change

10:30 – 11:45

Building A Campus Culture of Accessibility: Research Implications – San Ramon: This workshop will present findings of two qualitative research studies conducted on faculty in the California Community College (CCC) system and California State University (CSU) system. Findings related to the faculty perceptions of academic accommodations to students with invisible disabilities, and experiences with Universal Design implementation will be discussed. Research implications and strategies for fostering a campus culture of accessibility through faculty development will be introduced.

Exploring Vocational Membership: A Method to Improve Graduation Rates Among Disenfranchised Students – Salon A: The session explores two vocational mentorship programs constructed to improve graduation rates by fostering a sense of belonging to professional networks for two historically disenfranchised student populations – those with disabilities and veterans. Participants will learn how to build congenial relationships between faculty, students, and professionals focused on vocational preparation and intellectual skills development and how mentorship can counteract discrimination.

Freaks, Geeks, and Difference: A Disability Studies Course – Salon B: This workshop will introduce participants to an introductory course for Disability Studies. This course is intended to influence students’ perspective on the condition of Disability through the lens of reviewing both historical and contemporary society’s attitudes toward different human condition. Topics include history, arts and media, language, eugenics, charity, medical vs social models of Disability and movements for civil rights.

Update: Changes in Statewide Resources – Salon C: This is a panel of experts involved in Statewide initiatives discussing the latest work in the field of accessibility and the new system wide ICT accessibility standard.

Working with Sign Language Interpreters in the Community College Setting – Salon D: Sign language interpreting services are the most commonly approved accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students who use American Sign Language. Nonetheless, hiring and assigning skilled interpreters is a daunting task, especially since it may have a significant impact on the academic success of DHH students. The presentation will explore the role of sign language interpreters from different angles: administrators, students and interpreters themselves.

Each Mind Matters: Co-occurring Disabilities – Salon G: The session will address experiences DSPS counselors, instructors, and career counselors face when working with students with mental health and co-occurring disabilities. The session will engage attendees in interactive activities and scenarios to address the following: (1) academic and career counseling, (2) classroom instruction for students with ID/ASD and mental health challenges, (3) mental health and substance abuse.

Veterans with Polytrauma Injuries int he Community College System – Salon H: The community college environment as emerged as a setting able to link veterans with polytrauma injuries to psychological supports, academic accommodations, and career planning and assistance. This presentation will provide training and awareness on how DSPS and Veterans Counselors can best facilitate support to veterans with polytrauma injuries in a community college environment.

Self Determination and Vocational Preparation for Students on the Autism Spectrum Without Intellectual Disabilities – Salon I: Programs supporting individuals on the autism spectrum (ASD) without intellectual disability (ID) in Europe and the US will be described. Possible models for transition youth and for college students will be reviewed. Participants will be provided tools and discussion time to explore how they might develop their own self-determination and vocational programs for students with ASD and ID.

12:00 -1:00: Networking Lunch – Salons E and F

1:15 – 2:30

Inner Workings of CAPED Legislative Advocacy: History, Issues and Updates – San Ramon: This presentation describes the inner workings of CAPED legislative advocacy within the Sacramento Legislature itself, and within the decision-making structure and procedures of CAPED, particularly focusing on relevant CAPED Bylaws addressing appropriate CAPED advocacy. Recent and current relevant legislative issues will be addressed, as well as effective solicitation and participation of the general membership.

How to Create a Safe Zone: Transgender Topics and Intersectionality – Salon A: This presentation will cover some of the basic information and current issues relating to the LGBTQ+ community with a special focus on the transgender community. In this program, attendees will learn more about how they can specifically help support the rights and needs of the transgender community with special emphasis on the intersectionality between the transgender population, the larger LGBTQ+ population, and disabled students.

Navigating the Intersection of Disability of Culture – Salon B: The session will address the intersectionality of disability and culture. Topics will include raising awareness of disability from a cultural lens within academics and society, impact on receipt of support services, disability culture across varying institutions, and highlighting student experiences.

California State Auditors Report on Alternate Media and More – Salon C: This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the audit findings and the process for developing the recommended procedures and guidance. The California State Auditors issued recommendations for the Chancellor’s Office and all community colleges to follow in the production of alternate media, web accessibility, accessible instructional materials and purchasing technology that is accessible. The presentation will provide the official guidance for all community colleges to follow.

Improve Math Success: Applying Study Skills, Tutoring, Workshops, Accommodations and Course Substitutions – Salon D: Mathematics is still the number one course students have difficulty passing. This workshop focuses on mathematics success through math learning variables, math study skills, tutoring, determining the effects of different disabilities, new accommodations, mindfulness, course substitutions and team work. Participants will learn to apply these strategies, develop math success plans and bring their own case studies for review.

Teaching Self-Care to Students – Salon G: Students often face the daunting task of juggling school, work, family, and internships. While attempting to balance everything, they often forget to practice self-care. Many times this will lead students to burn out resulting in poor grades or reduced mental health. This presentation will include best practices in self-care taught in the Rehabilitation Services bachelor’s degree courses at Cal State LA.

A Civilian’s Guide to Supporting Veterans – Salon H: When working with our student veterans, it may be hard to know what to say or what to do to convey support for a person who has experienced military life, especially when the person providing support has not. In this presentation, we will learn from active duty military, student veterans , Veteran Specialists and DSPS Counselors to build our skills as civilians working with student vets.

Clearing the Way for Equity & Inclusion of Students with Disabilities – Salon I: Academic adjustments are just the beginning of students with disabilities finding success in higher education. Learn about how to educate your campus, teach your students self-advocacy and behavioral expectations, leverage specialized classes, train faculty and staff, etc. to make your institution a truly inclusive and equitable environment for students.

2:30 – 2:45: Afternoon Break: Iced Tea and Lemonade in Exhibitor Hall

2:45 – 4:00

DSPS Test Accommodations and How Contemporary Research Shapes The Work – San Ramon: This presentation will present the dynamism of contemporary research substantiating test accommodations and how particular diversity groups, as represented by gender, culture, and ethnicity demonstrate a willingness to use and benefit from forms of test accommodations in the disability service environment. The purpose of the presentation is to highlight the importance of test accommodations, as it serves to address functional limitations (e.g., print impairment, attention, memory, and concentration, etc.) as well as to underscore the importance and necessity of the evidence- based research to understand the way students engage in the accommodation process. We will discuss the request and utilization of accommodations and the barriers (psychological, socioemotional, technical, etc.) that prevent a student from requesting accommodations or being able to self- direct or present proficiency in the use of an accommodations.

Refocusing Disability Services to Leverage Emerging Initiatives and Support Career Outcomes – Salon A: With new monies such as the Adult Education Block Grant and DDS’ Competitive Integrated Employment initiatives available and the chance that the CCC funding formula is going to include student completion and employment outcomes now is the time to think about how you can support your students’ career goals.

Concussion Management: Considerations for Academics and Athletics – Salon B: Though concussion is a medically mild injury that typically resolves fully, post-concussion symptoms can be quite unpleasant and disrupt normal functioning. If not properly managed, symptoms can persist and worsen over time. This presentation will address management of post-concussion symptoms to promote recovery, with a focus on facilitating a successful return to school and sports.

Transition for Academic Success is Key (TASK) – Salon C: Transition for Academic Success is Key – TASK is a two-week learning community designed to assist 25 students as they transition from high school to college. The intensive orientation provided through TASK helps students build the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully achieve their academic goals at Delta College. Students enroll in two one-unit courses: 1) Learning Skills 72: Transition for Academic Success 2) Guidance 19: Introduction to College. The goal of a Learning Community is to promote student achievement and success. You have agreed to participate in a Learning Community in which two or more classes are linked together by a common theme or context, a number of assignments/activities may be integrated, and faculty communicate on a regular basis.

Guided Pathways and DSPS – Initial Perceptions on Planning, and Future Directions – Salon D: This workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss how Guided Pathways is developing at your campus. Results from a focus group on the topic will be shared along with effective practices to take away.

DSPS Solutions Year in Review and Emerging Hot Topics from the Field – Salon G: DSPS Solutions is the CA Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office DSPS Technical Assistance team. Discussion on the Hot Topics and Emerging Trends from our technical assistance to the field including the All Directors and New Directors Trainings, Technical Site Visits. Q&A; A period on implementation of regulations, resources, allocations, etc.

Engaging Student Veterans on Their Terms – Salon H: Veterans transitioning into the community college system face a new challenge when getting out of the military. It is important to understand how to support and engage student Veterans at the community colleges to help them be successful and achieve their goals. At American River College we have had great success in getting Veterans participation in events but also access to services including DSPS and community resources. This allows us to really focus on the transitional piece which in turn will lead to their career and academic success.

ASD, Mental Health, AEBG: Innovative Instructional Practices and Student Services – Salon I: Three innovative approaches to instruction and student services developed by NOCRC (AEBG) will be presented. The strategies are aimed at better serving students with ASD, mental health disabilities and other students who have significant challenges to succeeding in postsecondary education.

4:15 – 5:00: Vendor Workshops

5:30: Travel to CAPED Scholarship Fundraiser – $45.00. DRAG QUEEN BINGO! Hosted by Mahlae Balenciaga and held at Blueline Pizza in Burlingame. All proceeds go to scholarships for students with disabilities! Food included and prizes available for winners!!